Kenneth Mubea, PhD
User Engagement Manager
Kenneth leads technical assistance and user engagement, supports adoption of DE Africa services, and collaborates with partners across the continent.
Digital Earth Africa Urbanisation (English)
Digital Earth Africa
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About This Course
Learn how to select, load, and analyse Earth observation (EO) satellite data to monitor urbanisation across Africa using the Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa) platforms. You will work primarily in the browser-based Analysis Sandbox (JupyterLab) and also explore the DE Africa Map for quick visualisation. Inspect cities at scale, map built-up areas, assess green space and tree cover, and run quantitative analyses that support sustainable urban planning.
This self-paced program is delivered over six sessions (plus a bonus “Python Basics” refresher):
- Detecting Change in Urban Extent — Sentinel-2 GeoMedians, ENDISI, thresholding, baseline vs. current.
- Urban Area Mapping with Sentinel Data — Sentinel-1/2 loading, VH/VV composites, k-means, ESA WorldCover validation.
- Machine Learning with the Open Data Cube — Train, predict, evaluate, and export urban classifications.
- World Settlement Footprint & Population Datasets — WSF (2015/2019) & WSF Evolution, Africapolis, High-Resolution Population Density.
- Urban Green Space & Tree Cover Indicators — OECD/SWAC method, Sentinel-2 GeoMAD tree extent, indicator reporting.
- Urbanisation Indices & Comparative Analysis — Compare with GHS and relate results to SDG 11.3.1.
No prior experience in Earth observation or coding is required. Each session includes step-by-step walkthroughs, practice activities, and knowledge checks—with the opportunity to earn a certificate by meeting the assessment threshold shown on your Progress tab.
Provenance & uplift: The original Urbanisation course (AFRIGIST × Digital Earth Africa)
launched in 2022. Content uplift and production support provided by
Kartoza (Pty) Ltd.
What you’ll be able to do
- Detect and quantify urban expansion using Sentinel-2 GeoMedians and urban indices (e.g., ENDISI).
- Map built-up areas from Sentinel-1 radar and Sentinel-2 optical data and validate with ESA WorldCover.
- Apply Open Data Cube (ODC) machine-learning workflows for urban classification and accuracy assessment.
- Use WSF/WSF Evolution, Africapolis, and High-Resolution Population Density to contextualise EO results.
- Compute and interpret urban green-space and tree-cover indicators for sustainability reporting.
Format & Certification
- Mix of short readings, screenshots, and guided hands-on steps in the Sandbox.
- Knowledge checks and quizzes throughout; a course certificate is available once you meet the pass mark on your Progress tab.
- English and French language options are available for many elements of the program.
Course Staff
Edward Boamah
Technical Manager
Edward provides technical support, capacity building, and co-develops use cases with individuals, institutions, and partners using DE Africa services.
AFRIGIST Team
Co-developers of the original Urbanisation course content in collaboration with Digital Earth Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an account to view the course?
You can browse the public overview page without an account. To access lessons, complete quizzes, and earn a certificate, please register and then enrol.
Is the Sandbox required?
Yes—most sessions use the DE Africa Analysis Sandbox (JupyterLab). The course guides you through creating an account and running notebooks step-by-step.
What web browser should I use?
The DE Africa Learning Platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. Please ensure cookies and JavaScript are enabled.
Where can I get help?
Visit the DE Africa Help Desk to search the Knowledge Base or submit a support ticket, and consult the DE Africa User Guide for technical documentation.
Ready to begin? Create your account, then return to this page and click Start Course.